The disabled throwing shoulder- The “Dead Arm”

What is the “Dead Arm”?

“Dead Arm” is a common term used in the athletes in sports requiring precision throwing like baseball. The term “Dead Arm” is defined as any pathological shoulder condition in which the thrower is unable to throw with pre-injury velocity and control due to pain. Dead arm usually occurs during the acceleration phase when the arm is moving forward and the athlete suddenly feel s pain, and the am goes “dead” and is no longer able to throw the ball with his usual velocity.

What are the causes?

The “Dead Arm” phenomenon is characterized as a disorder with various causes. Some of the causes postulated include psychological factors, calcification in the ball and socket joint, bone spurs in the acromion, impingement of the shoulder ligaments, rotator cuff problems, bicep tendonitis, micro-instability, internal impingement and SLAP lesion.

What happens in the “Dead Arm”?

In the painful shoulders of throwing athletes, because of the repetitive arm position being turned out backwards as far as possible (external rotation)to create potential energy in the wind up phase prior to the forward acceleration phase, it has been previously postulated that the pain is due to the shoulder capsule in the front being over stretched. This excessively stretched capsule then allows the shift of the “ball” of the shoulder forward, creating an impingement of the structures in the front of the shoulder joint, hence resulting in pain and the inability to throw.

However, this theory is now being challenged. Some researchers have found that “Dead Arm” syndrome to be most commonly associated with type 2 SLAP lesion. SLAP (Superior labral tear anterior -posterior) lesion is a tear in the top part of the labrum (which is like the meniscus of the knee). It is now postulated that the type 2 SLAP lesion occurs because of tight capsule posterior capsule, which is the capsule at the back of the shoulder joint. It is because of this tight capsule which forced the ball of the shoulder upwards and backwards into the shoulder joint resulting in a tear in the labrum. The outward sign of this capsular tightness is the loss of forward rotation (internal rotation) of the shoulder joint.

How do I know if I have a "Dead Arm"?

A test that can be performed to assess the range of forward rotation in to lie down and have your arm placed at 90 relative to your trunk and with the elbow held in 90’. Keeping the shoulder stable without allowing the shoulder blade to slide up, allow the forearm to drop forward as possible. Ideally, you should get about 90’ forward movement. Everyone is different, the best way to assess for loss of range is to compare with the non painful/good arm and use that as a guide. A study found those who had the loss of range and did stretching to the capsule had a 38% decrease in the incidence of shoulder problems when compared to the non-stretched group. Researchers have defined an acceptable loss of forward rotation range as 20 degrees or less than 10% of the total rotation seen in the non throwing shoulder.

You can easily request for a physiotherapy or fitness appointment through any of the 3 convenient ways below with your preferred date, time and clinic location. Our staff will be happy to help allocate you to the first available appointment slot that best fits your convenience.